FAIR

We went to the fair Thursday with my mom & sister. Going to the fair was always a tradition with my family and we have continued every year since we lost dad. When he was alive, we used to go the first Sunday which was U of M day. Because of our schedules last year & this year, we have gone opening day and prefer Thrifty Thursday and the less crazy crowds! We did all the staples...cheese curds, mini donuts, corn on the cob, fries, pronto pups, corn fritters and some other good additions...sausages, fried pickles, onion rings, and Anna loved her cheese on a stick (looks like a corn dog, but only has cheese!). Paul also tried beer on a stick. Anna got a chance to go on some rides at Kidway too...she's not afraid of anything, even going by herself. Alex tried out a few rides too and enjoyed himself. Anna's favorite was the merry-go-round and she got to go twice! Even though Kristin & my mom left around 5:30, our family stayed strong until past 8:30 exploring all the animal barns and grabbing some more food. We had 2 tired kids (fell asleep on the way home!). It was a great Mattson day of fun. You'll notice lots of hats throughout the pics...we liked trying all sorts of combinations, but Paul would just not let go of the chicken hat.

Kristin & Anna, Alex & I on the giant yellow slide---Alex in his pronto pup hatThe family at the fairGrandma Haertel in her chicken hatAnna loved this ride! She wasn't afraid to go on it by herself and had her hands up most of the timeAlex got to go on a ride too!Go Brett Favre!Alex trying to drink the fries!Anna & Paul on the Merry-Go-Round (time #2)'Nuff Said

Self portrait of Anna & I-having fun at the fairBeer on a stick8:30 and the kids are still wide awake!!

17 months (and a few days)

We kind have lost track of Alex's monthly birthdays, but here he is recently around 17 months old. Soon, he'll be moving up to the toddler room in daycare. He continues to be such a cutie and wins over hearts every day! He has so many teeth. If he ever sits still, I'll be sure to count. He loves to play with everything that Anna does, including in the play kitchen & with legos. He has a very hard time if you take away something he wants or from something he shouldn't do. His words aren't very many right now, but he can show you where his head and nose are and signs please & more a lot.

Play time & dinner at Aly's

Since Paul was at the PGA most of the week and parking at the Noble's, I called them one day and the kids & I had play time at their house while Paul was wrapping up a good day watching golf. Anna & Alex loved playing with Aly on her swingset, in her sandbox and in the water. They also had a good dinner out on the picnic table.

Day at Gang Week

The kids and I went up to Deer Lake for part of gang week...we went up Wednesday night and came home Thursday after dinner. It was a short trip, but lots of fun. Gang week is the week my aunt & uncle have lots of their friends, kids, and grandkids up...so many people that there are people camped out in RV's and campers! It was a lot of fun for me and the kids and we especially enjoyed getting to meet Daisy Mae, Pam & Dick's new puppy!
Anna loved following around her extended cousins, Hailey & Lucas. My mom bought a ladybug tent for the kids and installed it for them...Anna & Alex had a great time in there!
Of course, what boy doesn't love the sandbox?

Time at Green Lake

Paul & I headed up to Green Lake for the weekend-went up over naptime on Saturday and came back Sunday over naptime. Kids loved hanging out at Green Lake. We got pictures with great-grandma & grandpa before they headed back to Arizona for the winter.
Kids couldn't stay awake in the car-they are always so precious sleeping!

Weekend at Deer Lake

Kristin and I headed up to Deer Lake with the kids Friday after lunch with my Mom at Applebees. Of course, we had to stop at McDonald's for ice cream & Lindstrom bakery for donuts on the way! Mom followed us and made her own stops. Together, we enjoyed the nice afternoon at the lake, despite the fact that Anna didn't nap! Paul brought up Panino for dinner and we enjoyed lazy time at the lake together. After getting the kids sleep, we enjoyed playing 500. We had a little tournament and Paul won, only edging me out by 90 points.

Saturday morning, everyone but my mom went out to breakfast at "Our Place" (formally Embers). The kids love eating breakfast so we have to order them both meals. Since Alex is a carb king, he eats pancakes and Anna always loves her eggs (and jelly, straight from the containers). The next stop after breakfast was our traditional Walmart trip. Have to stock up on things we need (and don't need).

When we returned, it was time for more playing. The weather wasn't very warm, so we enjoyed lots of sweatshirt time on the deck. Mom brought up my cousin's car that they had and it's quite a hit with Anna & Alex, although Alex has a hard time letting Anna have a turn. Anna's big enough where she understands how to take turns, Alex is not.

Saturday afternoon, my friend Maren joined us and Paul's parents came over for dinner too. Kebabs on the grill were fantastic! Paul and I went over to say good-bye to his aunt Shell who has a lake place close to our cabin and came back for more cards with everyone. Maren showed us who's boss by beating us all in up & down the river (that's the PC words for the game). Sunday, we had breakfast and headed out for a hike around our cabin. We were lucky enough to snag a few berries on our walk. When we came back, the kids had lunch, and we took Anna out for a boat ride (our only ride on the lake of the weekend). The kids rested and we played more cards. Maren continued her domination and beat us at our own game, for the 2nd time that weekend. (She's not invited back). We headed home after the kids woke up and stopped at Paninos on the way home for dinner (apparently, you can't get too much of a good thing).

Such a great weekend with everyone at Deer Lake. We're so blessed to have such a great place for our family to be away, and have it be so close to home.